Review: Maho Magic Bar (Brisbane)

Downriver, behind the Maritime Museum, a small area boasts an exciting new Brisbane experience.

The eye-popping neon of Maho Magic Bar dominates the space, transforming a hidden corner into the heart of Tokyo. A bright orange koi fish, a happy waving cat, a bonsai tree and cocktails are all lit up in fluoro-rainbow colors throughout the small theater. An open-air bar completes the atmosphere, where you can sip cocktails and snack on sushi while you wait to be shown into the Magic Bar itself.

Once inside, you are attacked by a kawaii punk. About a half-dozen magicians are dressed in a mixture of traditional jewelry and gothic hipster chic. Fake cherry blossoms hang from the ceiling, lanterns adorn one wall, and miniature trellises cover the rest. It’s dark with purple lighting giving off a very cool vibe.

Spica, the host, opens the show by introducing all the magicians. The format is such that guests are seated at the bar, and the performers rotate around, performing their own specific tricks for each group. For an additional fee you can order both cocktails and additional surprises from the menu. The cocktails are delicious, but the sake, Japanese whiskey and traditional Umeshu liqueur are not to be missed!

Image © Axis Productions

While the magic tricks themselves aren’t amazing, they don’t really matter. The performers are very funny, enthusiastic and charming, making the evening truly unique and different. Because the venue is so small, it feels very intimate, like you’re hanging out with a group of friends, some of whom can string solid metal rings together. Some guests have seen the show three times in different cities, such is the warmth of the hosts.

Speaking of warm, it’s a black indoor theater in the middle of Brisbane’s quasi-summer. Dress appropriately.

Maho Magic Bar lives up to its promises, offering both fabulous magic and well-crafted cocktails. This is a great night out in the Southbank area, offering something special that you won’t find anywhere else outside of Japan.